Events
- Free Wine Tastings Wednesday 4PM-8PM and Saturday 4PM-8PM
- Daily wine tastings available
Check out our new blog: Asheville Wine Blog at Appalachian Vintner!
Asheville’s Best Wine & Beer Tasting- Saturday July, 31 2010 3PM-8PM www.appalachianvintner.com
Hopefully everyone had an amazing weekend, regardless of where you hung your hat. The coming weeks are going to be busy busy here at the shop. We have scheduled numerous events to put the massive space that we manage to good use.
Tomorrow, Friday July 30thwe are welcoming the families of Drew Resinger and Katie McConnville for a celebration of their union. The event will be hosted in our main showroom, however Appalachian Vintner will be open for our regular business hours. If you do arrive during the event please find Charles or I and we will be more than happy to assist. Thank you in advance for your understanding.
Need a space for your next gathering? Appalachian Vintner offers full service parties here at the shop. Ask us about our multiple course tastings on your next visit, or grab some friends a put your own theme together we’d be more than happy to host any group, big or small!
New Arrivals ~ wine ~
Nugan Estate Vision Shiraz- Riverina, Australia.
Nugan Estate Vision Chardonnay- Riverina, Australia.
Bodegas Breton Loriñon Rioja
New Arrivals ~ beer ~
Pisgah Brewing Company Anniversary Pale- Only available at the brewery and Appalachian Vintner. Limited 64 oz growlers
~ Free Saturday Tasting ~
Scott Family Group Ponga Sauvingnon Blanc- Marlborough, New Zealand. The iconic Silver Fern of New Zealand is called “Ponga” by the country’s indigenous Maori people. The fern’s silvery-white fronds exude a freshness and vibrancy that characterize this country’s beautiful and diverse landscape. Ponga comes from select vineyards in Marlborough, New Zealand’s most celebrated wine region. The free-draining, alluvial loams over gravelly subsoils provide ideal growing conditions and together with abundant sunshine, cool nights and a long growing season, help build and maintain the vibrant and zesty fruit flavors for which Marlborough’s Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir are world famous. This wine is bright, contemporary and fruit-driven, offering exceptional value for money. Ponga wines are produced by the Scott Family Group, a family owned and operated winery located right in the heart of Blenheim’s wine growing region in Marlborough. The Group was founded in 1990 although the family’s history in wine growing began in 1975 when they planted their first vineyard as contract growers. The Scott Family Group is a truly family business – with Josh Scott as winemaker and sister Sara, with a winemaking and viticultural diploma and local and international winemaking experience, taking up the position of viticulturist. All vines are sustainably farmed. Shelf $10.99 Tasting $9.89
Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvingnon Rosé- Inland Coast, South Africa. Mulderbosch is and has always been one of the greatest wineries in South Africa. Their dedication to maintaining the environmental health of the place they call home (25% of the Mulderbosch property has been dedicated to a conservancy, ensuring the preservation of indigenous vegetation and wildlife) has engendered them great respect amongst the local peoples as well as the wine world. This rosé is another wonderful example of their feats. It is hand harvested from 10-20 year old bush vines and crushed directly into stainless steel tanks. After it is inoculated with yeast, the wine is slowly racked and allowed to age for a period on its fine lees. The resulting wine is sexy and sophisticated its elegance. Crisp notes of strawberry and pomegranate leap from the glass. On the palate it is balanced with notes of cherry, flowers with green edges of herbs de provence. Excellent with almost anything but Mulderbosch suggests Crab cakes, chicken satay, spring rolls with ginger dipping sauce, herb rubbed roast turkey, ratatouille, glazed pork or strawberries and cream. Shelf $12.99 Tasting $11.69
Tohu Wines Pinot Noir– Marlborough, New Zealand. Tohu (pronounced Tor-who) is the world’s first Maori owned wine company. Since 1998, they’ve been making wines produced from three of New Zealand’s premier grape growing regions: Marlborough, Nelson and Gisborne. All hand picked fruit mostly from the prized Awatere vineyard, the rest being from the Waihopai valley vineyard. Vines are carefully monitored to keep the crop yields low. This Pinot is styled for the new world drinker with notes of oak, mild tannins and ample mouth feel. Cherry, raspberry and violets are offered in spades, silk smooth and lip smackingly delicious. Shelf $19.99 Tasting $17.99
July has been another record month here at the store. We are so very grateful for all of your continued support. You are truly world class people and we are so very lucky to have you as customers. Thank you from the very bottom of our overflowing glass!
Geoff & Charles
Asheville’s Best Wine & Beer Tasting- Saturday July, 24 2010 3PM-8PM www.appalachianvintner.com
The annual Belle Chere Festival is here again. This annual event always reminds us that the year has rounded its middle point and the holidays are just around the corner. Just a reminder, we WILL be open for our normal business hours this weekend.
Our good friend, Suzie Phillips had an outstanding write up in the WNC magazine this month. Suzie is a master in the art of the cuisine of Lebanon, a country that we had exposure to very early in our lives. Her muse was born of a close relationship to her mother and a deep rooted desire and longing for the place of her birth. Read more on her plight here.
Another gracious and talented lady, Amy Taylor has opened the doors of her long awaited shop, Kitsch. The warm and cozy store front is located in West Asheville at 742 Haywood Rd. Kitsch will cater to all of your arts & craft needs. From gorgeous fabric to sewing needles and classes, Kitsch has got you covered.
The beer dinner with Sunny Point Café has been scheduled for August 24th and will feature the craft beer from one of North Carolina’s oldest beer hubs, Olde Hickory Brewery. The evening’s farm to table menu will feature selections, by Michelle Best and will be mostly crafted from the lush garden thriving behind Sunny Points’ brilliantly styled West Asheville location. Stay tuned for more info.
New Arrivals ~ wine ~
Vecchia Torre Vermentino
Tenuta Canale Chianti Classico Reserva- Single vineyard 2,000 case production. This is the Chianti you’ve been waiting for, affordable and amazingly delicious. 25 cases imported. We highly recommend special ordering this one by the case while it lasts.$16.99
New Arrival ~
Sprecher Brewing Company’s Handcrafted Soda. We have Root beer, Ginger Ale and Puma Kola, all flavors come in 4 packs and are in 16oz bottles. $4.99
~ Free Saturday Tasting ~
Starry Night Winery Russian River Valley Chardonnay- Barrel fermented Chardonnay. National retail $18, AV’s price $11.99 Tasting $10.79
Château de la Durandière Saumur Vieilles Vignes- Saumur is Asheville’s sister city in France. This old vine Cab Franc is an exceptional example of the cool climate grip Cab Franc can produce. The older vines produce a much more concentrated style and a pleasantly smooth texture. Shelf $13.99 Tasting $12.59
Panarroz Jumilla- 60% Monastrell, 25% Garnacha, 15% Syrah. This youthful, unoaked red offers plenty of deeply flavored red fruits and black pepper spice from the addition of Syrah. It is the perfect wine for all of your culinary exploits and marries well with the heat of the summer. Shelf $10.99 Tasting $9.89
All the best for a safe and happy Belle Chere weekend.
Asheville’s Best Wine & Beer Tasting- Saturday July, 17 2010 3PM-8PM www.appalachianvintner.com
Just announced! We will be joining forces with Sunny Point Café in West Asheville for a 4 course beer dinner in late August. More info as it becomes available.
We would like to send a reminder about a few of the services that make Appalachian Vintner special:
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On premise consumption- we have a beautiful tasting bar, local beer on tap and by far the largest by-the-glass program in the city, everything on the shelf, wine or beer is available for consumption here. Drink what you want, cork the bottle and take the rest home!
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Guaranteed lowest prices in WNC- find it anywhere else for less and we will be the price.
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Deep volume discounts- having a party or cookout? We offer discounts on full and half cases of wine and full cases of beer & even deeper discounts on multiple cases. If a case is too much, bring a friend & halve the costs.
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Special Orders- Don’t see anything on the shelf? We can special order just about anything, let us know what your favorites are, we will track them down. and stock them for you if you prefer.
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Private Event Space- a 1,000 square foot private room can hold up to fifty people, in addition our entire space has been rented numerous times for events with over 350 people.
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Menu Pairings and more!
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New Arrivals ~ beer ~
Sprecher Brewing Company Black Bavarian Lager- Vintner’s everydau price of $2.45 16oz singles & $8.994pks
Great Divide Brewing Double Wit- 22 oz btls
Great Divide 16th Anniversary Wood Aged Dbl I.P.A.- 22 oz btls
Sprecher Brewing Bourbon Barrel Aged Dopplebock- 1L waxed capped bottles
~ Free Saturday Tasting ~
Cantine Sacchetto Di Paolo Prosecco Colli Trevigiani- 100% Prosecco from from the hills of Treviso in Colli Trevigiani I.G.T. The Veneto extends from the Alps to the Adriatic coast and includes the Italian slopes of the eastern Alps and almost all of the underlying pre-Alpine belt with the entire Veneto plain as far as the river Isonzo. The climate changes from the Alpine to Mediterranean as one descends from the mountain areas to the plain and the coast. This Prosecco is made using natural fermentation, according to the Charmat method in large vats. It is also Frizzante(mildly sparkling) as opposed to Spumante(fully sparkling). This pleasant effervescence is absolutely quenching on a steamy evening. Aromatically this is similar to a honeysuckle vine in full bloom. Shelf $14.99 Tasting $13.49
Sant’Antonio Fontana Soave- Garganega 90% - Trebbiano Soave 5% - Chardonnay 5% from 20 year old vines, aged on the lees. The four Castagnedi Brothers (Tiziano, Armando, Paolo & Massimo) acquired 30 hectares in 1989 and the estates first wines as Tenuta Sant’Antonio came in 1995. All four brothers are involved in the project, with extensive experience managing their father’s vineyards as well as consulting for properties throughout Italy. Tenuta Sant’Antonio’s hillside vineyards are located among the Mezzane, Lavagno, and San Martino Buon Albergo villages at an average altitude of 350 meters. Meticulous attention to the vineyards in vine density (Guyot trained at 7-8,000 vine per hectare), hand harvesting, and low yields provide fruit of exceptional quality and thus need minimal “intervention” during wine-making. This wine is pale straw in the glass reflecting hints of green. Apple, elder flower, pear and wet stone on the nose. The palate is dense and off dry, with the typical notes of almond, a must with the wines of Soave. Single vineyard. Shelf $11.99 Tasting $10.79
Terre Di Sole Sangiovese- 100% Sangiovese from Pulgia with-in the ancient city of Daunia in the upper heel of the Italian boot. This wine is one of the importer Nicola Biscardo’s personal wines. The wine was previously sourced on the island of Sicily. Slightly cooler, Daunia is perfect for the cultivation of Sangiovese. This wine shows bright and intensly fruity aromas of cherry & plum lifted by a earthy tobacco note. The palate is medium weight and smooth. The finish is long with a balanced acidity. Great wine for foods of all kinds. Shelf $10.99 Tasting $9.89
G.D. Vajra Langhe Rosso- Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo blend with 5% Pinot Noir and 2% Freisa from estate vineyards in the Piedmonte at the far Northeast of Italy. The Vajra family are first and foremost stewards of the lost ways of winegrowing, their estate was founded in 1972. Their techniques are genuine and clearly about letting the grapes speak for themselves. Multiple sorting are conducted by hand, starting in the vineyard and lastly in the winery itself. These hands-on methods allow a winemaker to shy away from the addition of harsh adjuncts, that some larger production wineries use. This rosso is their “house” red, the wine that they most often open with meals, hence it must be a deeply satisfying bottling. Shelf $14.99 Tasting $13.49
Thank you for taking the time. Please forward to any and all interested parties. Appalachian Vintner is grateful for feedback in any form, shoot us an email and tell us all about your experiences. gr@appalachianvintner.com
Asheville’s Best Wine & Beer Tasting- Saturday July, 10 2010 3PM-8PM www.appalachianvintner.com
Hopefully everyone had a wonderful Independence Day! Looks like July has gotten off to a swift start, with the first week quickly drawing to a close. There’s a select group of delicious wine & beer for your sampling pleasure at the tasting bar this Saturday, we hope you will find a moment to join us.
Appalachian Vintner would like to invite you to a a fund raising benefit event titled “Hope in the Handwriting” to benefit Helpmate, a domestic violence agency serving Asheville & Buncombe County. The event will be held on Thursday, July 15, 2010 at Laurey’s Catering in downtown Asheville from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Not only is the benefit designed to be a fund raiser, but it is also a “hope-raiser.” The feature of the event will be a project called “Hope Notes,” a display of hundreds of notes of encouragement written by members of the community (which will later be given to the clients at Helpmate who are staying in the shelter and attending support groups). The project will also invite attendees to write their own “hope notes” to be distributed to Helpmate clients. Other elements of the event include: a creative memorial exhibit, educational handouts, a silent auction, door prizes, desserts, coffee, wine, and music from local performers. http://www.hopeinthehandwriting.com/
~SPECIAL~
2005 Landmark Steel Plow Syrah, Organically Farmed Reg $21.99 Sale $18.99
90 pts Wine Spectator
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New Arrivals ~ beer ~
Dogfish Head Sah’Tea
2010 Allagash Victoria Ale- Brewed with 1,000 lbs of Chardonnay & wine yeast
2010 Allagash Victor Ale- 1,000 lbs of Cab Franc grapes.
Terrapin/ De’Proef Collaboration Monstre Rouge Imperial Flanders Red
Duck-Rabbit Dopplebock- Farmville, NC
~ Free Saturday Tasting ~
Terra Andina Entrada Sauvignon Blanc- Mendoza, Argentina. This is a direct import for one of our favorite distributors, The Country Vintner. It is made by the Chilean producer Terra Andina, with a custom label for TCV. It is 100% Sauvignon Blanc, aged exclusively in stainless steel. It shows bright sweet fruit, peaches and nectarine with a touch of wild chive. Good balance of minerality and fruit with a clean finish. Great value for the price. Shelf $6.99 Tasting $6.29 Case $5.94!
2004 Chateau Barrail Chevrol Fronsac- 80% Merlot, 15% Cab Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvingnon. Until quite late in the 19th century, the wines of Fronsac were held in higher regard than those of neighboring Pomerol, which now boasts one of the most sought after wines in all of France, Chateau Petrus. 2004 in Bordeaux turned up wines of a traditional quality, drier by most accounts with the best showing tannins that were well-integrated with the shy fruit. Chateau Barrail’s Fronsac Rouge 2004, showed just that, tannins that are apparent yet not obtrusive, adding a refreshing rush to the earthy, woody fruit. Appalachian Vintner Exclusive. Shelf $14.99 Tasting $13.69
2005 Chateau Barrail Chevrol Fronsac- 80% Merlot, 15% Cab Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Same blend, completely different wines. 2005 in Bordeaux the vineyards where subjected to a relatively severe droughtlike summer. In the past this kind of summer weather has produced some of the great vintages of the previous century including 2000, 1990, 1982, 1961, 1959, 1949, 1947 and 1945. While Chateau Barrail Chevrol is not a wine that will see multiple decades of aging potential, it will age for an additional number of years. Keep in mind that in the 19th century wines from Fronsac were better received than Pomerol. The latest bottle opened here at the shop was very promising. With a mere half hour of mildly rigorous decanting the wine began to ooze from the glass with sweet cassis, pencil lead, licorice and black cherry. With an hour plus, the earth came forth with old leather and cedar. The highest portion of the blend is Merlot and when Merlot can ripen slowly with a long dry maturation on the vine, the resulting juice has a texture of silk. This is the wine for heavy sauces, think leg of lamb with demi-glace. 5 cases imported, Appalachian Vintner Exclusive. Shelf $14.99 Tasting $13.69
Aecht Schlenkerla Helles Lager- Bramberg, Germany. We mentioned early on that some of our favorite beer styles for the stifling summer heat was cold fermented Pilsners and Lagers. It is hard to deny the refreshing nature of these beers and we do love the fluctuations out there. Some are aromatic and crisp, others are yeasty, cloudy and full. There are defined styles such as Vienna, Pale Lager, Amber Lager, Kölsch etc. This beer falls into the Dortmunder/Helles, the first from Dortmund and the later from Bavaria. What sets the Schlenkerla Helles apart is the fact that it is brewed in the same kettles as their famous Rauch or “smoke” beer. Thus it retains some of the smoked beechwood aromas and flavors. A real interesting example of a classic style.
Thanks!
Asheville’s Best Wine & Beer Tasting- Saturday July, 3 2010 2PM-8PM www.appalachianvintner.com
Don’t forget to take full advantage of our Independence Day Sale, there are some excellent wines on very deep discounts. This would be perfect time to stock the house for the holiday just around the corner or grab some hard to find gems for the cellar. Only wines from the lower 48.
New Arrivals ~ wine ~
J. Bookwalter Conflict Conner-Lee Vineyard- 95pts Wine Enthusiast ~limited~
J. Bookwalter Foreshadow Cabernet Sauvignon- 94pts Wine Enthusiast ~limited~
Penner-Ash Pinot Noir- San Fransico Chronicle Top Wines 2009
~SPECIAL~
01, 02, 03 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, all three $199 @ $66.33 per bottle! Just because you’re Asheville.
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New Arrivals ~ beer ~
Dogfish Head Sah’Tea
2010 Allagash Victoria Ale- Brewed with 1,000 lbs of Chardonnay & wine yeast
2010 Allagash Victor Ale- 1,000 lbs of Cab Franc grapes.
Terrapin/ De’Proef Collaboration Monstre Rouge Imperial Flanders Red
Duck-Rabbit Dopplebock- Farmville, NC
~ Free Saturday Tasting ~
Kiona Vineyards Chenin Blanc- This varietal is one of the world’s noble grapes, transformed by the soil by which it is grown and by the hands which mold it to fit into any of a dozen styles. Kiona make it into a crisp, clean wine that is immensely easy to enjoy. Mouth watering acidity is accentuated by a touch of frizzante on the finish. This is a perfect hors d’oeuvres wine! This off-dry Chenin Blanc has refreshing aromas of tart green apples and fresh cut straw. Crisp tropical flavors are emphasized when the wine is served chilled. It pairs wonderfully with seafood, Summer porches and fireworks. Bottle $9.89 Part of any case $8.79
Chatham Hill Chardonnay- 100 % Chardonnay, sourced in prime vineyards within the Yadkin Valley. Chatham Hill Winery was established in 1999 as the first winery in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area and the first Urban Winery in North Carolina. This wine won silver at the 2008 Indy International Wine Competition in Indianapolis. The annual event is one of the nation’s largest wine competitions. Lemon-lime custard and apple with a touch of vanilla from brief contact with French oak barrels. Bottle $12.59 Case $10.99
Mary Elke Anderson Valley Pinot Noir- 100 % Pinot Noir, from the single vineyard, Donnelly Creek. The Anderson Valley is located in the rolling hills of the coastal region of Mendocino County, about two hours north of San Francisco. Only fifteen miles long, this beautiful valley is home to a combination of warm sunny days and cool foggy nights & mornings that allow the production of some of California’s top Pinot Noir. Some of these vineyards produce rich, hearty Pinot like those of Pommard in the Northern reaches of Burgundy, France’s crowned jewel of Pinot Noir. The Elkes are primarily growers, who farm Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Merlot, and organic apples. Guest winemakers are hired to make wine from the grapes they farm. Elke Vineyards began more than twenty years ago, and has grown fruit for many, many wineries over the years. They grow fruit for Mumm Napa, Roederer Estate, Radio Coteau, Copain Wine Cellars, Londer Vineyards, Au Bon Climate, Mendocino Wine Company, Far Niente, ICI/La Bas, Franciscan, and Breggo Cellars. The 2007 Mary Elke Pinot Noir is 100% Donnelly Creek vineyard fruit from two clones that reflect the cool climate and soils of the Anderson Valley. In years previous they’ve blended the Donnelly fruit with others, but this year there was enough from the vineyard for their own label. Rich fruit flavors combine with a slight spice element and a slight mid-palate tannin to produce a “bigger” style Pinot Noir that many modern drinkers of Pinot Noir prefer. 91Pts $25.99 or $20.79 case
2010 Pisgah Brewing Company Vortex I- Triple Pale Ale from our good friends at Pisgah Brewing Co, in Black Mountain. Bottle production has slowed due to the onset of the festival season and we have two cases left of this ultra hopped-up Buncombe County Ale. As with every beer from these guys, only 100% Organically grown ingredients are used, resulting in a purity that will haunt you hours after the last sip. 22 oz bottles.
2009 Rogue Double Dead Guy Ale- Rogue is a small revolution, which expresses itself through handcrafted Ales, Porters, Stouts, Lagers and Spirits. It was started in 1988 in Ashland, Oregon along a small stream called Lithia Creek. Over the last 20+ years it has developed into one of the premier craft & spirit brewers in the country. Double Dead Guy is deep amber copper in color. Buttery peanut brittle, orange blossom tea aromas follow through to a rich chewy and fruity full body with nice notes of caramel drizzled dried apricot and roasted grains and spice. Finishes with a long, tangy grilled grapefruit and chocolate fade. Packed in a red painted 750ml bottle it was made to cellar, come see what a year in perfect conditions can do for one of the country’s top American Strong Ales.
Please have wonderfully fun & *safe* holiday weekend! We hope to see each and every one of you soon.
Asheville’s Best Wine & Beer Tasting- Saturday June, 26 2010 3PM-8PM www.appalachianvintner.com
will be suppling us with a number of new paintings. These will range in size and style, stop by for a viewing.
New Arrivals
Yvon Mau Merlot
Commanderie de Peyrassol La Croix Peyrassol Provence Rouge
Raats Family Wines Old Vine Chenin Blanc- This is South African soil in a bottle.
Aecht Schlenkerla Helles Lager
Stone Brewing/Victory Brewing/Dogfish Head collaboration Saison du Buff- Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme. Herbaceousness & madness bottled for your drinking pleasure. Limited.
Free Saturday Tasting:
Shadow Mountain Vineyards Pinot Gris- 100% Pinot Gris from property on the East slope of the Oregon Coast Range, looking out toward the Coburg Hills. The vineyards are all Salmon Safe and LIVE certified (LIVE uses international standards of sustainable viticultural and enological practices in both wine-grape and wine production.) The Cooper family has been suppling the Pacific Northwest with some of the healthiest Christmas Trees for decades. After their son Jonathon graduated from OSU, with a degree in agriculture they located a portion of land on their farm that was perfect for the cultivation of grapevines (not so much for Xmas trees!). The grow only Pinot Noir & Pinot Gris, two of the most well known variates in Oregon. Coconut, citrus, apple & pear dominate the nose. The palate is fresh and full with good acid, and a spicy finish. Shelf $15.99 Tasting $14.39
Vecchia Torre Leverano Rosato- Leverano Italy. 80% Negroamaro, 20% Malvasia Nera. Gianni Cucci wants you to try the new vintage of Leverano Rosato. We both think you’ll be pleasantly surprised, and I want Gianni to remain happy. He is a friendly, very polite, diminutive wine broker from Lecce, a town midway down the heel of Puglia (and just demoted to Seria B, another reason to want good things for Gianni). This is the best vintage of Leverano Rosato to date - the winemaker at the Cantine Sociale Leverano, Ennio Cagnazzo, is the hardest-working man in wine, responsible for the production of 2 million bottles of wine annually, which are divided along four quality tiers and among many grape varietals. Leverano is the top tier, made of Puglia’s native workhorse grape Negro Amaro, and it is a true value. Tasting this makes two days on a plane worthwhile, and means many of you will be planning an Apulian vacation soon. Drink it with grilled sardines and squid-ink pasta. Shelf $8.99 Tasting $8.09
Castle Rock California Cuvée Pinot Noir- Various vineyards in California. Castle Rock Pinot Noir is produced from grapes grown in a carefully selected group of California vineyards, at which the climate and soil conditions provide excellent growing conditions for this Burgundian varietal. The wine is elegant and medium-bodied, offering aromas of cherry, tea and herbal spice. On the palate it is smooth with a silky texture and mild tannins, giving flavors of black cherry, plum and spice, and finishing long and harmoniously, This versatile food wine pairs well with lamb, veal, salmon and light pasta dishes. Winemaker August Briggs. Shelf $11.99 Tasting $10.79
Tezza Valpolicella Ripasso Ma Roat- Vento, Italy. Flavio, Vanio & Frederico are the third generation to farm these vines. Their Great Grandfather, Giovanni planted the vineyards in the early 1960’s. Now Frederico tends the vines, Vanio makes the wine & Fredrico develops the winery. The estate has two excellent vineyards. Monte della Fontane sits on the western edge of Valpantena, a valley that runs south from the Alps into the outskirts of Verona. Brolo delle Giare is farther east, and in the Tezza brothers’ estimation it produces their finest fruit. Valpantena is their home, and the brothers pull from a lifetime of knowledge of the valley’s soil and climate when making decisions that affect the ultimate quality of their wine. The Tezzas utilize the high-quality, low-yield indigenous grapes Corvina, Ocelleta, and Croatina (local name for Bonarda). The Guyot system is more labor-intensive than the traditional pergola method, but Vanio believes its greater vine density is necessary to get the flavor and site-specificity he desires. When I first tasted Ma Roat (Red Moon in the local dialect, which is a mix of Italian and Danish) I was immediately reminded of their stellar Rippaso, same velvety texture, same spiced fruit except this is produced without the use of oak. Try it with fresh mushroom risotto. Shelf $13.99 Tasting $12.59
Beer Tasting
Great Divide Brewing Co. Espresso Oak Aged Yeti- Denver, Colorado. This is one of the greatest examples of oak aged Imperial Stouts on the market. The base for this beer is quite tasty itself, add oak chips and a healthy does of coffee and you have the ultimate breakfast beer. Limited samples. 22 oz bottle $9.99
See you here!
Geoff & Charles
Asheville’s Best Wine & Beer Tasting- Saturday June, 19 2010 3PM-7PM www.appalachianvintner.com
On the way to the shop this morning I spotted a dilapidate clear stained glass window on the side of the road. Measuring around 7′ x 2′ it was hard to miss. Not sure what grabbed me about this piece, perhaps it was the age of the neighboring homes, regardless it reminded me of the things that we happen by on our daily lives. The everyday events that usually whirl by us without even a thought. A recent flip through the pages of the Mountain Express revealed a story that oddly seemed to call to me the same way as this broken window. The story was about the North Carolina Bread Flour Project. With out delving to far into the story (see link at right for full story) how lucky we are to have the opportunity to recognize a void, and fill it with something meaningful, thoughtful, even powerful. True creative beauty is always in the eye of the beholder, but only when our eyes & hearts are fully open. Enjoy.
Appalachian Vintner will be closed on Monday, June 21 2010 in honor of Father’s Day. We will resume our normal operating hours on Tuesday, June 22 we apologize in advance for any inconveniences. On that note, Happy Father’s Day to all of the Dads out there!
The Yvon Mau presale Bordeaux’s are here! We will be sampling a portion of them this Saturday. These wines are very limited and unfortunately once they are gone, they will not return until next spring. Get your hands on some while they last.
New Arrivals:
Fresh Dynamite Roasting Company coffee- We sell every flavor they roast, available in whole bean or burr-ground 1Lb bags, bulk orders available. Org. & Fair Trade
Waterbrook Melange Noir 3L- massive wax capped 3L bottle for $59.99!!!
Tezza Valpolicella Ripasso “Ma Roat”- unoaked version of their deliciously rich Ripasso.
2004 & 2005 Chateau Barrail Chevrol Fronsac Rouge
Seigneurs de Monbazillac- botrytis late harvest, honeyed indulgence- blue cheese- foie gras….. 375 ml
Hoppin Frog Mean Manalishi Double I.P.A
Moylan’s Old Blarney Barleywine
Dogfish Head Festina Peche
Stoudts Brewing Gold Helles Style Lager
Stoudts Brewing Heifer-in-Wheat Hefeweizen
Clipper City Heavy Seas 2010 Below Decks Aged in Cabernet Barrels- Extremely limited & at $8.99 for a 22oz bottle it won’t last long.
Tasting:
Seigneurs de Bergerac Blanc- 50% Sauvignon, 10% Muscadelle, 40% Semillon from Bergerac, East of Bordeaux along the Dordogne river in the Southwest of France. This nervous little wine shows, white peach, bananna, lemon custard and melon. It has a mild acidity, gorgeuous minerality and a long round finish. Perfect for delicate fish dishes, such as poached dover sole. 5 cases. Shelf $9.99 Tasting $8.99
Beaulieu Vineyards Signet Collection Chardonnay- 100% barrel aged Chardonnay from the North Coast of California. Sourced from prestigious vineyards in Sonoma, Mendocino and Napa Valley. Rich lush tropical fruit, mild buttery oak and a smooth mouth coating finish. Shelf $11.99 Customer appreciation $8.99!!
Seigneurs de Bergerac Rouge- 45% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc also from Bergerac, East of Bordeaux along the Dordogne river in the Southwest of France. Medium bodied, aromatically superior to most of the reds we’ve tried from this area, especially from this vintage. Starting out its bouquet reveals, black currant & tar moving into black cherry spice further down in the glass. The palate is dry, but soft holding mild tannin and a very pleasant texture. 5 cases. Shelf $9.99 Tasting $8.99
Altovinum Evodia old vine Garnacha- 100% Grenache from 90-120 year old vines in the high altitude village of Atea with-in the D.O. Calatayud. These vineyards were ferreted out by the amazingly talented team behind Altovinum - Eric Solomon (European Cellars, Charlotte NC), Jean Marc Lafage and Yolanda Diaz. Yolanda Diaz, a native of Calatayud, has an intimate knowledge of the area and its terroir – her relationships in the region are an invaluable asset to the project. Meaning that she knows the families caring for these ancient vines. Appalachian Vintner has sold record numbers of this wine, it is by far one of our strongest shelf placements and to boot we’ve never sampled it at one of our tastings! Grown almost exclusively on schist slate based soils at elevations above 2500 feet, its depth of flavor is toe curling. The vines from which it is pulled are all “head trained” so that they literally grow directly from the ground, without trellising, supported only by their own strength. While this method reduces cluster formation, it allows the small amount of fruit that does form to create ultra concentrated grapes. Can’t say enough about the value that this sustainably farmed wine offers, if you come for one wine let it be this one. Shelf $9.99 Because we are grateful for your support $8.49
Thank you and we hope to see each and everyone of you soon.
Geoff & Charles.
Asheville’s Best Wine & Beer Tasting- Saturday June, 12 2010 3PM-8PM www.appalachianvintner.com
We love the Asheville restaurant scene and love to promote locally owned spaces. A recent drive down Hendersonville Road reminded us that Chef in Motion, formerly by Mission Hospital, has found a new home. Chef Mo Abreu and his partner Brenda Wienke have done wonders with their space, their menu(and prices) are unbeatable. Pair that with a thoughtful wine list and ample parking and you have a winning combination. They are serving Lunch Monday-Friday & Dinner Monday-Saturday.
The First Annual Brew Off, Asheville’s Home Brew Competition & Tasting will be held on June, 19 2pm-4pm in front of Wedge Brewery in the River Arts District. It will be a great chance to sample some local craft beer and perhaps get an idea for your next batch of brew. Swing by the shop afterward to sample some of Charles’ handmade beer, and our Free Saturday Tasting.
Wine Tasting:
Gérard Bertrand Réserve Spéciale Viognier- Languedoc, France. An acknowledged ambassador of the Mediterranean lifestyle and owner of some of the region’s finest estates, Gerard has crafted his Réserve Spéciale wines to reflect the elegant, fruit intense, and generous style of the area’s finest vineyards. This 100 % Viognier is pale yellow colored with a pale green hue. Intense bouquet of white flowers (acacias, hyacinth, orange tree flowers). Rich and lush with aromas of tropical fruits, dried apricots, hazelnuts and honey. The finish is crisp and lively. Shelf $12.99 Tasting $11.69
Domain de Couron Vin de Pays des Côteaux de l’Ardèche Rosé- 100% Grenache rosé from the tine village of Saint Marcel d’ Ardeche, 45 miles Northwest of Avignon. What strikes you first about this stunning little rosé is its hauntingly pale color. Its almost angelic like pink hue is very similar to a antique pink rose, or maybe the cheeks of a plumb cherub in a renaissance mural. Peach, strawberries & cream and a seamless texture. Temperature is everything here, if it is chilled to far it will slip into its pale reflection, only to emerge again with the warmth of the ambient air. Try this with crab cakes and a warm sunset on the patio. Shelf $10.99 Tasting $9.89 limited
Gérard Bertrand Réserve Spéciale Pinot Noir- This 100% Pinot Noir comes from the coolest altitude vineyards in the region. With air it reveals ripe cherry fruit and crushed red berries, notes of nutmeg and brown spice with silky tannin. A style characterized by its warmer growing weather, lush with juicy ample fruit. Shelf $12.99 Tasting $11.69
Martin Codax ERGO Rioja- 100% Tempranillo - The most important red wine varietal for both everyday and world-class Spanish wines. Frequently, the wines made from Tempranillo have aromas of black cherry fruit as well as leather and earthy qualities. Some studies have shown that this varietal is a relative of Pinot Noir. The two most famous areas for great Tempranillo based wines are the Ribera del Duero and the Rioja. In the Duero, the wines are commonly blended with Cabernet and/or Merlot. While in the Rioja it is more frequently blended with Garnacha. Always a favorite here at the store, ERGO offers a less dry style of Rioja, enjoyable on its own or with anything from grilled veggies to lamb shank. Shelf $11.99 Tasting 15% off $10.19
We are grateful for your support and hope you can stop by the store soon.
Geoff & Charles
Asheville’s Best Wine & Beer Tasting- Saturday June, 5 2010 3PM-8PM www.appalachianvintner.com
Our congratulations to the three couples that allowed Appalachian Vintner to assist in the wine selections for their wedding day. We wish you only the best of tomorrows in your journey together.
It seems that our free Saturday tastings have been featured along side some really great festivals and this Saturday is no different. Beginning at 12pm the first ever Beer City Festival will open its gates. This will also be the first event at the new Roger McQuire Park, a beautiful area between Pack Monument and the court house. The park looks stellar with its art laden decor complete with a music stage and fountains. We will not be directly involved this year but we do know many of the musicians that will be performing and they are very talented. Not to disappoint but our free tasting will be slightly abbreviated this week.
New Arrivals!
Domain de Couron Coteau L’Ardeche Rosé- Could be the best Rosé of the season.
The Duck-Rabbit Rabid Duck Russian Imperial Stout- Very limited
BrewDog 5 A.M. Saint ESB- Scotland, the first 12 oz packadging from this brewery.
Brouwerij De Musketiers Troubadour Magma- Ursel, Belgium. Only 5 cases of this Belgian/American Hybrid Imperial IPA made it to NC. Appalachian Vintner received two. 9% ABV & 90 IBUs! Singles & 4 packs
Colterenzio Schreckbichl Weißburgunder Turner- 100% Pinot Blanc from old pergola trained vines in Hillside vineyards around the Girlan-Eppan area at the base of the Alps of Northern Italy at altitudes between 500 and 650 feet. These sites are specially selected for their suitability for growing intense and distinctive Pinot Blanc. Soils are gravelly with high calcium carbonate content aiding to the drainage of the vines roots. Yellow straw color with green edges. The aromas are bright and show apple, pear and honey. The full palate is nutty and round with melon and star fruit, mirroring the Alsatian Pinot Blancs of Northeastern France, also at the base of the Alps. Shelf $15.99 Tasting $14.39
The House of Independent Producers La Bourgeoisie Destiny Ridge Vineyard Merlot- 100% single vineyard Merlot from the banks of the Columbia River in Washington’s famed Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Very little is available in the way of information regarding the production of this wine, and that is how the production staff likes it. Check out this mission statement: “To capture terroir in its most raw form and to preserve the integrity of the wine world by rebelling against the 100 point rating system. A wine of Sustainable and Environmentally friendly farming. No Advertising. ScoREVOLuTion, never scored. Produced by Christophe Hedges, of Hedges Family Estates. Superb bottle of Merlot, made in the style of the Right Bank blends of Bordeaux. Shelf $12.99 Tasting $11.69
Thanks and please have a fun & safe weekend.
Geoff & Charles
Asheville’s Best Wine & Beer Tasting- Saturday May, 29 2010 3PM-8PM www.appalachianvintner.com
BEER CITY U.S.A! Again! Wow what an honor to be a part of this area’s craft beer movement. Beer for thought: there were 4,131 breweries in the United States prior to 1910. After the repeal of prohibition there were 31. In 1940 the number had grown to 498 but by 1980 that number had been muted to only 82, in part by a for bland macro brewed adjunct lagers, or so we thought. Today the United States has more than 1500 breweries, more than ANY country in the world. So here’s to beer- all North Carolina breweries are 10% off on Saturday and enjoy a free pint of Pisgah Pale with every case of beer purchased. Cheers!
We must offer a heartfelt & honorable extension of our gratitude to all of those that have lost their lives & those that are currently fighting in the numerous American conflicts around the world. Regardless of our opinion on the topic of war Appalachian Vintner & its partners will remember and keep all of you close to our hearts on this Memorial Day.
Wine Tasting:
Domaine Claude Branger Le Fils des Gras Moutons Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie- 100% Melon de Bourgogne, from the far Northwestern portion of France, near the mouth of the Loire River. This area is almost dominated by the eb & flow of the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Claude Branger makes this wine with his son Sebastien. The land is farmed without chemical fertilizers and are harvested by hand. Le Fils des Gras Moutons is the domaine’s base wine, and it’s one of the truly great buys here at the store. The wine comes from 26 acres of vines in Branger’s earlier maturing plots. The soil runs from 10 to 16 inches deep and the granite bedrock is metamorphic gneiss full of mica and quartz. These vines average 35+ years of age. The wine rests on its lees for six to seven months before bottling, and a productive year will see 5,800 cases made. The bouquet is akin to fresh lemon curd with crushed sea salt. The palate is fresh and racy with a creamy leesy texture, showing a balance between fruit, acid & an amazingly ocean-like spray of flavors. If the taste of the sea is not enough, try these with something from the sea, namely oysters on the half shell or our favorite Charleston style steamed over an open flame. Shelf $12.99 Tasting $11.69
Artadi Artazuri Rosé- 100% Garnacha. Faithful to Navarra’s tradition, this rosé is made by means of the accepted system of drawing juice from the must, based on the use of gravity after a short period of maceration saignée. Youth, fruitiness and freshness are the most remarkable features of this wine. Farming Practice: Sustainable. Age of Vines: 10-15 year old vines from vineyards that were a “nearly lost inheritance,” and through hard and labor intensive viticulture, Artadi has revived these tired plots and transformed them from the forgotten to the avant-garde. Perfect from all of your Memorial day foods, from BBQ to potato salad. Shelf $8.99 1 day Special $6.99!
Au Bon Climat La Bauge Au-Dessus Pinot Noir- 100% Pinot Noir. Jim Clendenen (owner ABC) is by far one of the most animated winemakers in California and in our estimation has one of the best hands in regards to Pinot Noir. Full and rich with flavors of plums and warm spice, this Pinot is always a crowd pleaser. The fruit is all Dijon clones from Block Two of the famed Bien Nacido Vineyard. This is classic Santa Barbara Pinot with a price/quality ratio that’s truly hard to beat. Has the usual Bien Nacido hard spice of black pepper, clove, and juniper, this is a serious Pinot Noir. La Bauge au Dessus translates into “the decadent party up above” these vineyards are the highest planting of Pinot Noir at Bien Nacido Vineyard. Samples will be poured from a 375ml half bottle and thus will be very limited. 375 ml Shelf $21.99 Memorial Day Special $18.69
Rabbit Ridge Le Lapin Zinfandel- Paso Robles, California. Rabbit Ridge is one of California’s premier value wine producers. Unlike other “value” producers they almost always deliver flavor packed bottlings that seem unreal for the money. This new line of wines Le Lapin (the rabbit) are seriously delicious. While there is little information released from the winery about the sourcing for this Zin, we have a funny feeling that it at least some of the juice is sourced from the Texas Road Vineyard. This is the estate plot that is on the Rabbit Ridge property. Regardless we find it quite delectable, with dried dark fruit & characteristic blackberry jam, smeared in all the nooks and crannies. Perhaps the best attribute of our non-vintage little gem here is the cashmere like texture. Shelf $8.99 Tasting $8.09
Please note that the tasting will not start until 3PM this Saturday. We hope to see you all soon and please have a safe and happy holiday.
Geoff & Charles
Asheville’s Best Wine & Beer Tasting- Saturday May, 22 2010 1PM-3PM & 4PM-8PM www.appalachianvintner.com
Tomorrow Friday May 21st it will be Pouring Cats & Dogs here at the shop. We are quite honored to host Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, and an evening tasting of some wonderful wines, live music, food by Frankie Bones, silent auction and more. Cost will be $15 at the door, all proceeds benefit Brother Wolf. Evening begins at 5:30PM & ends at 8:00PM. Information link. Wine we be tasting- link.
New Arrivals_
Bodegas Nieto de Senetiner Cabernet Reserva
Gérard Bertrand Réserve spéciale Pinot Noir
Gérard Bertrand Réserve spéciale Viognier
Altesino Rosso di Altesino- 80% Sangiovese di Montalcino(Brunello) clone. Super value from one of Italys top Brunello producers.
Domaine Claude Branger Le Fils des Gras Moutons Muscadet Sèvre et Maine- This wine rests on its lees for six to seven months before bottling and comes from 35+ year old vines. THE wine for oysters.
Tenuta Sant’ Antonio Fontana Soave
Rabbit Ridge Le Lapin Zinfandel
Colterenzio Weissburgunder Pinot Bianco- Northern Italian Pinot Blanc!
Beer:
Stone Brewing Ruination IPA- 100 point
Stone Brewing India Pale Ale- 100 point
Pisgah Brewing Vortex I- Triple Pale Ale
Pisgah Brewing Solstice- Belgian Strong Blond
Coronado Brewing Idiot IPA
Brouwerij De Dochter Van De Korenaar Courage- Strong Wheat Ale! How cool is that, a recent pint at the Thirsty Monk showed aromas of mushroom, milk chocolate and dates. 12 percent Imports.
Tasting Wine:
Domaine Alain Lalanne Vin de Pays de Gascogne- Southwest France. The 50-hectare Domaine Alain Lalanne is in the village of Ramouzens in the eastern portion of Bas-Armagnac, a region of sloping green hills, an oceanic climate, and sandy soils. Alain Lalanne’s father (and his grandfather and great-grandfather) only made wine in order to distill it into Armagnac, but his retirement and Alain’s assumption of responsibilities in 1970 coincided with a progressive and lasting decline in the global market for Armagnac. Consequently, Alain and the other growers in the region faced the need to sell the region’s white wine as white wine. To accomplish this, they imported a grape variety, the Gros Manseng, from the neighboring historic Appellation of Jurançon in order to balance the Ugni Blanc and Colombard traditionally grown in Gascogne. In the case of his Côtes de Gascogne blanc that means: Ugni Blanc, traditional to the region, picked late, from strong or gravelly soils to produce pale wines with delicate aromas that marry well with Colombard; Colombard, the oldest and noblest variety in the region, which produces wines with aromatic power and a roundness that is nicely balanced by the freshness of Ugni Blanc; and Gros Manseng, a late ripener which does best in cooler and lighter soils. Sustainable. Shelf $9.99 Tasting $8.99
Domaine Lafage Novellum Chardonnay- 100% Chardonnay from the Côtes Catalanes, the hills around French Catalonia nestled in the Languedoc. The Languedoc-Roussillon is on France’s Mediterranean coast. It forms an arc beginning west of the Rhône that spans to the Spanish border. France’s first vineyards were planted here in what is now Narbonne. The Vine de Pays des Côtes Catalan covers an area rich in Spanish influence – Catalonia being just across the Pyrenees Novellum is a custom cuvee of Chardonnay grown and made by Jean Marc and Eliane Lafage for Eric Solomon. Novellum is sourced from 30 year old vines, 30% of the juice is fermented in new Burgundian barrels with the balance in stainless steel. In an effort to add to the depth of flavors the wine is aged for 3 months on VIOGNIER lees. It shows subtle aromas of white peach, toasted almond, hazelnut, flowers and fine herbs. The palate offers an uncanny balance of leesy creaminess with a touch of minerals. Shelf $11.99 Tasting $10.79
La Villa Pinot Noir- Veneto, Italy. This Pinot is fuller than most with a wonderful depth of fruit. Little is know of the vineyard sourcing or the producer. Shelf $8.99 Tasting $8.09
Hyatt Vineyards Rattlesnake Hills Cab- 92.87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.04% Merlot 2.09% Syrah from Washington’s newest AVA, Rattlesnake Hills. Hyatt Vineyards was established by Leland and Lynda Hyatt in 1983. Evolving from a modest Estate vineyard surrounding the Winery, Hyatt Vineyards has grown to 180 acres in four separate sites all within 3 miles of the original plantings. In Spring of 2006, the very select micro-climate of the Northern part of the Yakima Valley became its own American Viticultural Appellation. Hyatt and Roza Ridge are in the center of this small and very appropriate new Appellation, Rattlesnake Hills, which enjoys better heat-units than the rest of the Valley - ensuring ripening - with elevations ranging from 700 - 1200 feet above sea level. This Cab shows some wonderful structure for such an inexpensive wine. Leather and spice spill over the rim with a perfume of sweet black fruit filling the gaps. The palate is dry, mildly tannic and lush with the same spice and fruit from the aromas. New world wine with a firm foot in the old way. Shelf $10.99 Tasting $9.89
Hope that you all can find some time to visit us soon! Thanks for taking the time.
Geoff & Charles
Asheville’s Best Wine & Beer Tasting- Saturday May, 15 2010 1PM-3PM & 4PM-8PM www.appalachianvintner.com
Broadbent Vinho Verde- 50% Loureiro, 40% Trajadura and 10% Pedernã [aka Arinto]. Vinho Verde, the most popular white wine from Portugal, is a deliciously refreshing, light wine with gentle spritz. “Verde”, meaning “green” refers to the hints of lime color. Broadbent Vinho Verde is the only Vinho Verde imported on a refrigerated container. The result is an excellent example of Vinho Verde that is as fresh as the day it was bottled. An ideal warm weather wine, excellent for lunch and picnics, this wine is equally as lovely as an evening aperitif. It makes a brilliant pairing with any fish, shell fish and poultry. “Is the world’s greatest pairing for a Caesar salad” according to wine writer Jordan MacKay. The label above was painted by Alice, the niece, of Bartholomew Broadbent, when she was four. Shelf $8.99 Tasting $8.09
Viña Montes Classic Series Chardonnay- Curico Valley, Chile. Viña Montes proudly hosted the inaugural activities of the 2010 World’s Best Sommelier Competition - held in Santiago from April 12-15th. Even after one of the worst earthquakes to hit Chile in decades the team welcomed 180 top sommeliers from around the world to their winery, the first Feng Shui winery in Chile. Montes strives to protect the environments integrity by adopting a sustainable winegrowing initiative. The Chardonnay is fermented 60 % in casks, 40 % in stainless steel with 50 % malolactic fermentation. Pale gold in color with shades of green, its aroma blends butter hints of vanilla and tropical fruits (banana). A fresh wine, fruity, with good body and balance, creamy and complex in mid palate, nice and elegant finish. Shelf $11.99 Tasting $10.79
Tezza Veneto Rosso 1L- Appalachian Vintner sells almost every wine made at Tezza. From their Amarone to the fresh and fruity Valpolicella, the wines of the Tezza Family (cousins Flavio, Vanio and Federico) are honest pure efforts from the star of the North-eastern reaches of Italy, the Veneto. Their wines, designated simply Rosso (Red) and Bianco (White) are made for the local farmers and restaurants from sustainably farmed land in the Valpantena Valley (”valley of the gods”) a rocky-soiled niche between Lake Garda and the Alps, outside the city of Verona (home of the annual Vinitaly wine show). Most of these wines never make it out of the area. The Tezza Rosso is mostly Corvina, a thick-skinned red grape that is the main component of Valpolicello and Bardolino, with the addition of Rondinella, Corvinone and a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon. Amazing value in a liter bottle, offering just a little extra on a warm summer day. Shelf $9.99 Tasting $8.99
Viña Montes Classic Series Cabernet Sauvignon- Colchagua Valley, Chile. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, both sourced from the well known Colchagua valley. The wine has been aged for six months in new and used French oak. Deep ruby red color, the nose is packed with layers of caramel, cinnamon, candy and hints of mint, with a prevalence of mature red fruit over earthy oak. A spicy, full-flavored wine, with good body, fruit and firm friendly tannins. The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Classic Limited Release is enhanced by blending 30% of Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon on its 2008 vintage thus producing a more complex and higher quality wine. Recommended to be decanted for 30 minutes. Shelf $11.99 Tasting $10.79
Tasting Beer:
As venerable as the screw cap to wine, beer in a can has harbored feelings of inadequacy for years. That has all changed due to a wealth of seriously delicious craft brews packaged in cans. This form of packaging actually offers a much more environmentally friendly shipping package, due to its lighter weight and a better container for the beer itself. These little grenades of flavor are perfect for your next excursion to the trail, beach or lake. Whatever you choose just remember: Pack it in-Pack it out.
Ska Brewing Hoperandi I.P.A.- Durango, CO. A beautiful hoppy beer showing a copper amber color with citrus & pine, caramel malts grapefruit and a hoppy floral note. 6 pk cans
Brooklyn Lager- To start we can not say enough about this beer. To know that it is a style lost after the onset of Prohibition is enough to hoard it in quantity, and drink it with the best of people. Made in the style of the great lagers of Vienna, Austria. This is the style that brought Budweiser to prominence over 100 years ago. Brooklyn Lager is crisp yet full, clean but rich, malty & hoppy yet just enough to quench the thirst of hours in the toil of work. Honestly this is a beer that blurs the lines of what craft beer was and what craft beer is, Enjoy. 6 pk cans
Thanks for joining us on our journey of fine libation.
Geoff & Charles
Asheville’s Best Wine & Beer Tasting- Saturday May, 8 2010 1PM-3PM & 4PM-8PM www.appalachianvintner.com
New Arrivals!
WINE
Eric Soloman Selections Novellum Chardonnay- Côtes Catalanes Chardonnay aged 3 months on Viognier lees.
Montes Alpha Chardonnay- “WORLD CHAMPION CHARDONNAY” by SLOW FOOD of Italy
Kim Crawford Pinot Grigio
Falcor Sierra Foothills Malbec
Broadbent Vinho Verde
Hyatt Vineyards Rattesnake Hills Cabernet- Single vineyard Washington State Cab for $10.99!
BEER
Dogfish Head Immort Ale- maple syrup from Red Brook Farm, peat-smoked barley, juniper berries, and vanilla. 11% abv
Stone Brewing Russian Imperial Stout- 100 point beer. Limited
Ommegang Tripel Perfection
Founders Centennial IPA
Clipper City Heavy Seas Loose Cannon IPA
Flying Dog Raging B**tch Triple 98 points
Pure Chilean La Martina EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL- La Martina single varietal Arbequina olive oil is smooth and gentle, apt for use with all types of food due to its balance and harmony. It presents a medium fruitiness, of pleasant and fresh vegetal aroma, with green apple and almond notes. With a low bitterness and low short spice, it does not linger on the tongue. 500ml & 250ml
Tasting:
Casa Julia Sauvignon Blanc- Casablanca Valley, Chile. Casa Julia’s focus is on “terruno” (terroir), the microclimate of each appellation and sustainable, intelligent agriculture. Casa Julia Estate wines are produced with this in mind. They start and end elevage with high quality fruit from specific vineyards and then with absolute minimal handling & fermentation. Leaving wines that reflect and protect their individual character. This wine shows the richness and bountiful aromatics we’ve come to expect from the Casablanca Valley. Honeysuckle yellow in the glass with gleams of pale green. No oak with crisp pure fruit, light residual sugar and a balance of flavor reside in this old vine cuvee. Shelf $11.99 Tasting $10.79
La Craie Vouvray- Hillside vineyards in the Vouvray AOC deep in the heart of the Loire. 100% Chenin Blanc from JD Headrick on of our favorite local importers. “Chenin Blanc is one of the most noble white wine varietals planted in France, rivaling Riesling for its complexity, agebility, and depth of soul. One of the things that I have always loved about Chenin…..its flexibility…. fully ripe, and grown on the limestone slopes of Vouvray….fresh peaches and plums, and finishing crisp and high.” Jon David Headrick. Shelf $15.99 Tasting $14.39
Jean Merieau Les Hexagonales Gamay- Touraine, Loire Valley France. Jean-Francios is one of the rising stars of the Loire. Taking an organic approach to his farming aides in the desire for the soil to shine, and to keep the land healthy for generations to come. While Beaujolais is the official home of Gamay, the Loire has some old vine plots that vinify to produce wines of infinite flavor and precision. Personally we believe that Gamay is a misunderstood delight, that rarely sees the recognition that it deserves. The Hexagonales is a perfect summer red, light on its toes but with enough power to find a home on most Pinot drinkers tongues. Organically produced. Shelf $11.99 Tasting $10.79
Rabbit Ridge Le Lapin Petite Sirah
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